Fin's Fish Guide
The Spadenose shark (Scoliodon laticaudus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Carcharhinidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
Description
The spadenose shark is a small requiem shark (Carcharhinidae) from shallow coastal and estuarine waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a slender, grey body with a strikingly flattened, spade-shaped snout. As a predator it hunts small fish, shrimp and squid in schools. It is usually shy of people, but as a requiem shark it can bite if disturbed or in fisheries; caution is advised.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spadenose shark?
The Spadenose shark has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Spadenose shark live?
The Spadenose shark lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei Darsm, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and others
How big does the Spadenose shark get?
The Spadenose shark grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Spadenose shark dangerous to humans?
The Spadenose shark can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Keep your distance and handle caught animals carefully. For a bite: apply firm pressure to stop bleeding, rinse with clean water and cover with a sterile dressing. Shark bites are deep and prone to infection: always seek medical assessment and check tetanus status.
Is the Spadenose shark edible?
Yes, the Spadenose shark is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Carcharhinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spadenose shark is one of 12,519 species in the app.